What to do after recovery from a heart attack?

What to do after recovery from a heart attack?

After recovering from a major heart attack, many would be scared and confused. Of course a heart attack is a life changing event for many, that require major changes in lifestyle. But many people live a long and fruitful life even after a heart attack.

Every person will receive almost all the needed information from the treating physician regarding further course of action depending on severity of the disease in the individual. One of the priorities is to prevent a recurrent heart attack. About one fifth of those above 45 years who had a heart attack may get a second one within five years.

Medications needed for preventing a recurrent heart attack will be prescribed at the time of discharge from hospital. These have to be taken meticulously as per schedule. The number of medications will depend on the severity of disease and associated conditions. But in general there will be medications which reduce the chance for formation of blood clots and prevent plaque build up in the blood vessels. Those with episodes of chest pain may be given medications to dilate the blood vessels. Most likely these persons will receive advice on other options like surgery or removal of any remaining blocks by angioplasty. Persons with reduced pumping function of the heart will receive medications to prevent worsening of heart failure in addition.

Regular medical follow up is needed periodically to assess the heart function and tailor the dosage of medications. Though some medications will be continued lifelong, doses of certain medications may be reduced as the heart function improves. Some medications may be discontinued by your doctor if there is excellent recovery of heart function.

Medically supervised cardiac rehabilitation programs if available in your community will be useful. This will include advice on following a healthy life style with modifications in diet and a regular individualized exercise program. Exercise programs should be cautiously undertaken. Start low and build up gradually under close medical supervision. Participation in support groups will improve your morale and help maintain lifelong activities. This will improve your coping skills in case of residual disabilities after a heart attack.

An awareness of important risk factors for heart attack is needed for the community in general and specifically for a person recovering from a heart attack. Important risk factors which can be modified are high blood pressure, high blood sugar and high levels of fat in the blood. All these can be reduced by appropriate lifestyle changes and medications. The role of following a healthy diet including vegetables and fruits and reducing calorie rich food cannot be overemphasized. Those who had smoked prior to the heart attack have to quit smoking and avoid even passive smoking by being near those who are smoking. All these are equally important for the community at large as well. It is always easier for the person recovering from heart attack to follow a healthy life style if family members are also following a similar lifestyle.